Kolkata: Nandini Chakravorty scripted history on Wednesday as she assumed charge as the chief secretary of West Bengal, becoming the first woman to hold the state’s top bureaucratic post. A 1994-batch IAS officer, Chakravorty succeeds Manoj Pant, who retired on December 31 after completing a six-month extension.
Chakravorty was serving as the state’s home secretary and also held additional responsibilities of the parliamentary affairs and tourism departments. Her appointment was cleared by Governor CV Ananda Bose, paving the way for her elevation at a crucial political juncture ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Her rise to the top post has drawn attention within bureaucratic circles, as she superseded several senior officers. A section of officials said the decision reflected a clear signal from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, with sources indicating that at least six to eight officers senior to Chakravorty were overlooked.
Over the years, Chakravorty has handled a range of key portfolios in the state administration. She has served as secretary to the governor, headed the Industry Department and played a central role in the state government’s functioning as home secretary since 2024. Recalling an earlier phase of her career, a senior official said, “She was also involved in a tussle with Governor CV Ananda Bose and was removed. However, Chakarvorty’s tiff with Governor Bose brought her back into the government’s good book, and she was made in charge of the Industry Department.”
Manoj Pant, a 1991-batch IAS officer, had originally retired on June 30 but was granted an extension until December 31. Following his superannuation, the state government appointed him principal secretary to the chief minister, in the rank of chief secretary, continuing the practice of retaining outgoing chief secretaries in senior advisory roles.
Chakravorty’s elevation also triggered changes in other senior positions. Jagdish Prasad Meena, a 2004-batch IAS officer, has been appointed home secretary, replacing her. Additional Chief Secretary Atri Bhattacharya, a 1989-batch IAS officer, has been given additional charge as Director General of the Netaji Subhas Administrative Training Institute, alongside his responsibility for the Sundarban Affairs Department.
Additional Chief Secretary Barun Kumar Roy, who heads the Non-Conventional and Renewable Energy Sources Department, has been given additional charge of the Tourism Department, previously overseen by Chakravorty. Principal Secretary of the Public Health Engineering Department Surendra Gupta has been assigned additional charge as divisional commissioner of the Presidency Division, while Additional Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala has been given charge of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration and the Correctional Administration Department.
With her appointment, Chakravorty not only breaks a long-standing barrier in the state administration but also steps into the role at a time when governance and administrative coordination are expected to be closely watched in the run-up to the Assembly polls.
BI Bureau
